Embarking on the all positive training path requires that you have lots of treats, in tiny bits, at all times. Moreover, it requires that the treat you are using is yummy enough to catch your dog's attention even in the company of other dogs, strangers, or even the passing squirrel! (Now that's a test...)
When we first brought our pooch Sheba to agility training, I raised my hand the first day and asked,"Well, what if your dog isn't really very food motivated? Sheba just isn't that into food..". The trainer laughed and said,"Then you have the wrong treats." As a pet professional I was a little offended- I thought my little dried chicken strips were the best thing around. I have however learned that Sheba is incredibly food motivated for the right treat.
The best training treats ever, hands down, are the Natural Balance rolls. The drawback is that you have to chop them up into tiny 1/2 in or smaller cubes, plus once opened, the bits and rolls must be refrigerated. I must say it's usually worth the hassle as in my experience dogs being trained with Natural Balance rolls actually train faster than with other treats. The other drawback is...the treats are so yummy that even the gentlest dogs start biting your fingers hard- making is very challenging to stay 'positive' and not yell "Ouch!" when the dog has just done what you asked.
Another option is Easy Cheese- although I'm reluctant based on the nutritional properties of Easy Cheese, I have it on good authority from Christine Hibbard at Companion Animal Solutions and our staff member Brenda that Easy Cheese is highly effective- and of course no finger munching there!
What do you think? What is your go-to treat? Have you tried those above? We'd love to hear about your experience.
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I recommend Easy Cheese mostly because it doesn't require refrigeration so you can always have a high value treat handy. Wouldn't recommend a steady diet of it though.
ReplyDeleteA healthy alternative is to use Coghlan's Squeeze Tubes and fill them with pureed tuna, salmon or chicken (mix in a bit of rice flour during the puree process): http://astore.amazon.com/compaanimasol-20/detail/B001V9IOKC. Let me know how this idea works for you if you try it Alisa.
Thanks Christine! You know, after being ridiculous and trying Laurel Chanel goat cheese (Which they loved, but so do I...too expensive)and Rice Milk Whipped Cream (which they wouldn't even lick once), I'm ready to try Easy Cheese for training time only. I agree that a little won't hurt. As for the squeeze tubes, they work until I have to refrigerate, and then the paste is too solid and doesn't squeeze out fast enough to keep their attention.
ReplyDeleteBesides, pups are more likely to suffer for behavior problems than from the occasional processed cheese indulgence...so here we go!